Sarah Ann Cerrito dreams of life on Broadway

Special to The News/Dave HitchnerSarah Cerrito reads to students at Downe Township Elementary School during Read Across America Day.

By Dave HitchnerSpecial to The News

Her goal is to go from a country girl from a small community to the “big stage.”

Sarah Ann Cerrito currently is a junior at the Gloucester County Institute of Technology, commonly known as GCIT.

She is a drama major and has dreamed of becoming an actress since she was 11 years old and saw the musical, “Rent,” on Broadway. She thought to herself, “I want to do that!”

However, no matter how much she wants to act, she always finds herself drawn to writing.

Role models who have influenced Sarah’s development in her 16 short years include her parents, teachers at Downe Township Elementary School, as well as Meryl Streep, “because she is from New Jersey and she’s so talented.

When I was in fifth grade, I was so proud that a story I had written was one of two chosen to be published in a national anthology of stories. Another achievement included being one of 13 in New Jersey accepted into the Drama Program at GCIT. Sarah seems totally passionate about her future in acting.

“I would love to be a film actress or even a screenwriter. I can relate to gifted writers, Kevin Williamson and Richelle Mead, as role models.”

Sarah’s first role in a drama was Kay in “Splendor in the Grass.”

She looks forward at the possibility of traveling to Pace in New York or working a summer job at Disney in Florida. Being accepted at and attending the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) would be a dream come true.

“Acting is very ‘cut-throat’ and competitive, but if you keep your head straight and put your all into it, something good will come out of it,” she predicted.

Regarding her small community, Sarah wishes there were more for children and teenagers to do.

“If kids got more involved in good and rewarding activities, when they become older they would stay out of trouble and do better in school.” It appears this is a common theme by those interviewed living in small communities.

Perhaps more artistic opportunities in our area would be just what Sarah Cerrito ordered for her younger friends!

Dave Hitchner is a retired educator and a lifelong local resident. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow appears each week in The News.